#24. What if Men Were Allowed to Feel? - Helping Men Reclaim Real Intimacy

In this powerful episode, Dr. Stacy sits down withpsychologist and New York Times bestselling author, Gloria, who brings over 50 years of experience to the mic. Gloria unpacks how our culture systematically robs boys and men of emotional freedom, resulting in intimacy struggles, disconnection, and an over-reliance on porn.They dive into how early parenting, societal messaging, andcultural expectations leave men emotionally paralyzed—and what we can do to change that. From fatherhood to masculinity to presence in the bedroom, thisepisode is rich with wisdom and deep truth.www.drvanderhorst.comGloria is a licensed psychologist with over five decades ofexperience working with clients ranging from preschoolers to adults. Her career began by supporting young boys often mislabeled as hyperactive, leading her to uncover how early cultural messaging blocks boys from accessing their emotions.She now focuses on helping men reclaim their emotionaldepth, improve communication, and foster deeper connections in relationships.Gloria is the author of the New York Times bestselling journal book Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R's of Growth and Change. Her work uses Internal Family Systems and Emotion Focused Therapy to guide men and couples toward emotional healing.She’s currently writing a new book exploring the dangers ofemotional suppression in boys and how fathers can help raise emotionally resilient sons—especially in today’s AI-driven world.Dr. Stacy Friedman is a Clinical Sexologist, certified sex& intimacy coach, and the unapologetically bold host of The Purple Passion Project. With 26+ years in the medical field and 20+ years working in sexuality, Dr. Stacy helps people break down taboos, communicate clearly, and build hotter, healthier intimacy—without shame.She specializes in mismatched sex drives, alternativelifestyles, painful sex, and LGBTQ+ intimacy. Known for blending expertise with humor and heart, Dr. Stacy makes conversations about sex feel safe, real, and seriously empowering. Her motto: “My passion is to help you create yours.”✨ Stay connected with her beyond the show! ✨Grab your FREE download of 10 Things They Really Want in Bed (But Won’t Say Out Loud), explore her sexy toy shop (use code PURPLE for 20% off), and book your complimentary 15-minute intimacy coaching consult at drstacyfriedman.com.Follow @drstacyfriedman on social for more resources, tips,and behind-the-scenes magic.💜 If you’re looking for a healthy supplement that can increase blood flow, check out FLOW (nitric oxide booster).Get your FREE bottle here:https://hop.clickbank.net/?affiliate=drstacy69&vendor=the20&cbpage=free